Diverse cutaneous side effects associated with BRAF inhibitor therapy: A clinicopathologic study - 14/11/12
Abstract |
Background |
Vemurafenib, a novel selective small molecule inhibitor of BRAF, has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of melanomas harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. Similar to the broad-spectrum RAF inhibitor sorafenib, vemurafenib induces development of squamous cell carcinomas and keratoacanthomas as a side effect of therapy.
Objective |
We sought to detail additional cutaneous adverse effects of vemurafenib and a similar BRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib.
Methods |
We evaluated the clinical and histologic feature of skin side effects developing on vemurafenib or dabrafenib therapy in 14 patients.
Results |
Eight patients developed one or more squamous cell carcinomas, and 11 patients formed benign verrucous keratoses. Eight patients developed single lesions and/or widespread eruptions with histopathologic findings of acantholytic dyskeratosis, consistent with warty dyskeratomas and Darier- or Grover-like rashes, respectively. One patient developed palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and darkening of existing nevi and new nevi within 2 months of starting vemurafenib. Side effects presented as early as 1 week after beginning therapy, with a mean time of onset of 12.6 weeks in our cohort.
Limitations |
This study was limited by the small number of cases, all from a single institution.
Conclusion |
Selective BRAF inhibitor therapy is associated with the development of malignant and benign growths, including keratoacanthoma-like squamous cell carcinomas, warty dyskeratomas, and verrucous keratoses, along with widespread eruptions with histologic features of acantholytic dyskeratosis. Given the potential for malignant lesions to develop on treatment, awareness of potential adverse effects of these agents is necessary, and a low threshold for biopsy of new growths is recommended.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : acantholytic dyskeratosis, BRAF, drug adverse effects, nevi, squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous keratosis, warty dyskeratoma
Abbreviations used : CFC, KA, MAPK, SCC
Plan
Dr Fecher is currently affiliated with the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis. |
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Supported by the Skin Disease Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania. |
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Disclosure: Dr Amaravadi is a consultant for and has received honoraria from Genentech. Dr Fecher is an investigator for Roche, Genentech, and GlaxoSmithKline, and has received research funding from those sources. Dr Schuchter is an investigator for Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, and has received grant funding from both sources. Drs Chu, Wanat, Miller, Brose, Seykora, and Rosenbach, Ms McGettigan, and Ms Giles have no conflicts of interest to declare. |
Vol 67 - N° 6
P. 1265-1272 - décembre 2012 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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